SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - After three years away from winter league competition, Denzel Richardson has signed a contract to return to the Nicaraguan Professional Winter League, marking his second stint in the league as he joins the club from León.

This return signals a meaningful and important new chapter in Richardson’s professional career, reflecting continued growth, resilience, patience, and his unwavering belief in his journey, while reaffirming his ongoing presence on the international baseball stage.

Richardson’s return represents more than a contract signing; it marks a renewed chapter shaped by consistency and passion for the long game. Following a strong year that included professional play in Mexico in 2025, this opportunity confirms that Richardson remains firmly on the international professional radar.

“After three years without playing winter ball, it means a lot to still be able to play the game I love. This opportunity has sparked something in me again, it makes me want more out of my career and reminds me not to slow down.

“It’s kept dreams alive that I once thought might not happen. This year has been a great one for me, especially playing in Mexico, and I’m truly blessed to be in a position where I’m wanted again, now heading back to Nicaragua to play for León.”

Since his first experience in Nicaragua, Richardson says both the game and life have shaped him in meaningful ways.

“Since my first stint in Nicaragua, the game has taught me a lot, especially about approach and how much of a business baseball really is. It taught me patience, gratitude, and not to take any opportunity for granted. I’ve matured a lot since then and have focused more on self-development, not just physical development.

“That mental preparation has helped me build stronger relationships and earn respect, and it’s put me in a position where I can inspire and lead others. It’s also pushed me to work even harder on my craft, always seeking new ways to improve. Staying open to growth is extremely important to me.”

Reflecting on what this signing represents for the next generation of athletes from Sint Maarten, Richardson emphasized purpose beyond personal success.

“Being able to sign plants seeds in the minds of the younger generation again, and that’s a big part of my purpose in playing. I want to reach as far as I can, so, as a nation, we can produce more professionals, not just in baseball, but individuals who never give up on what they want.

“I want young people to trust their vision and not fall victim to their environment. My goal is to continue being an example and making a lasting impression, showing kids that it truly is possible.”

Beyond individual achievement, Richardson’s continued presence on the international professional stage highlights the vital role that sports icons play in national sports development.

Athletes who reach the professional level serve not only as competitors, but also as ambassadors, mentors, and living proof of what is possible for young people in Sint Maarten.

Looking ahead, the Sint Maarten Sports Federation (SMSF) welcomes continued collaboration with the St. Maarten Baseball & Softball Federation to strengthen connections with professional athletes such as Richardson.

Through structured engagement, mentorship, and knowledge sharing, this collaboration aims to help build clear and sustainable pathways for future athletes, from grassroots participation to high-performance and professional opportunities.

With his return to the Nicaraguan Professional Winter League, Richardson’s journey stands as a powerful reminder that perseverance, growth, and belief can reopen doors, and inspire the next generation to walk through them.

Denzel Richardson

Denzel Richardson at the base.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Minister of Justice, Mr. Tackling, and the Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Mr. Richinel S.J. Brug, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to ensure that persons placed under involuntary admission at the Mental Health Foundation receive the legal support and representation they deserve.

This initiative stems in part from a motion passed in Parliament, brought forward by Member of Parliament Sjamira Roseburg, which called for strengthened legal safeguards and access to legal assistance for individuals subjected to involuntary mental health admission.

The signing of this MOU addresses a gap in the current legal framework. Under existing legislation, individuals who are involuntarily admitted do not have a clearly established mechanism guaranteeing access to independent legal support. The MOU provides an interim solution to safeguard the rights of these individuals while broader legislative reforms are being pursued.

Through this agreement, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor formalize their cooperation to ensure that affected individuals are informed of their rights and have access to appropriate legal assistance throughout the involuntary admission process.

Minister Tackling emphasized that access to legal protection is a fundamental right, especially for individuals in vulnerable situations. Minister Brug underscored that involuntary admission is a serious measure that is applied only in situations of acute mental-health crisis. In such circumstances, it is essential that care interventions are accompanied by clear legal safeguards.

This MOU ensures that individuals are informed of their rights and have access to legal support, reinforcing a balanced and responsible approach to crisis mental-health care. Both Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening mental health care and legal protections in Sint Maarten, noting that this MOU represents an important step toward a more humane and rights-based approach. Work will continue to modernize the legislation governing involuntary admissions.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Corporate sponsorship for Contestant #3 Breyenne Brown is off to a strong and promising start as she prepares for the Senior Carnival Queen Show 2026, scheduled for April 20th at the Jocelyn Arndell Festival Village, during Carnival’s landmark 55th edition.

Since November of last year, Breyenne Brown and her team have been reaching out to the business community through sponsorship letters, sharing a journey rooted in pageantry, cultural pride, and community representation.

That journey gained meaningful momentum with the support of Penha, who came on board as a corporate sponsor.

Through the leadership of Ms. Sharine Duncan, Commercial & Marketing Coordinator, Penha’s partnership reflects a commitment to supporting pageantry, celebrating Carnival, and empowering women through purposeful collaboration.

“My team and I are truly grateful to Penha for believing in my journey,” said Breyenne Brown. “Their support represents encouragement, partnership, and the importance of community involvement.”

Speaking on Penha’s involvement, Sharine Duncan shared, “Supporting Breyenne is about celebrating pageantry, culture, and the spirit of Carnival. As we mark Carnival’s 55th edition, Penha is pleased to support initiatives that honor tradition, empower women, and bring our community together. We wish Breyenne every success as she continues her journey.”

As preparations continue toward April 20th, Breyenne Brown’s journey reflects the power of collaboration and the positive impact of corporate support in strengthening cultural and community-driven initiatives.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY, (DCOMM) – The United States Consulate General in Curacao will be sending a consular officer to Sint Maarten to provide services to American Citizens.

The consular officer will be providing services on Tuesday, January 27.

U.S. citizens who need any of the following services: U.S. passport applications; Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) applications; and Document notarizations, need to make an appointment by emailing: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Services are by appointment only. After requesting an appointment, the person will receive instructions on how to prepare for your requested service.

People are asked to read the instructions carefully in order to avoid delays.

On Tuesday, January 27, the U.S. consular officer will be providing the services by appointment out of the following venue: Government Administration Building, Soualiga Road #1, Conference Room #1 (on the ground floor) from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Those who have secured an appointment, once they reach the entrance of the Government Administration Building, they should inform security that they have come for U.S. consular services and will then be instructed where to go.